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Things to do in Sisters, Oregon

I am interested in going to visit Sisters, Oregon. Some friends of mine have a said that I have to go. I heard that it is so unique and western. Are there any stores or attractions that you would recommend? If I make it over there, I would love to watch the rodeo in June. Has anyone seen the rodeo? Please feel free to add any additional comments about your experience and what you did while you were there.Thanks!

Eat at least 1 meal at Bronco Billy's. http://www.broncobillysranchgrill.com/
The rodeo grounds are about 4 miles out of town on US 20.
The biggest event in town is the annual Sisters Quilt Show.
How are you getting there? Spend some time in the Cascades while you are in the area. Get up to Mt. Bachelor and the Cascades Lake Highway. If you can get a reservation at 5 Pines it would be convenient.

I assume you are thinking of going in June for the rodeo? If so, book accommodations soon as the town is small and places fill up.

I personally love the area around there. The town itself is very small, but it nice. It has a western theme, so you will find restaurants/shops along those lines. The main road through town is the highway that cuts over to Bend, so it gets very busy. The side streets offer more shops/restaurants so be sure to check those out as well.

I have not stayed in downtown at all as we prefer to rent a home further out.

One place we have been going to over over 40 years is the Ski Inn. It is a dive burger/shake place. They are known for their breakfasts. It is a tiny place but also has some outside seating.

A few highlights of places nearby include Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery (you can hike along the river there too), the Dee Wright Observatory along the old highway, Camp Sherman, and Tumalo Falls. Suttle Lake is just a few miles west of town and has a few things to do there, as well as a beautiful lodge. There is also camping there and some rustic cabins. Across from Suttle Lake is Scout Lake, which is pretty small but a fun place to hang out. We used to always go there for the rope swing, lol. Black Butte is also nearby, and if you like to hike, the top offers some great views.

Anyway, you get the idea that there is quite a bit to do in the general area.

Sisters is a cute western style town. We enjoy eating at the Gallery Restaurant/Cafe. It is fun to browse all the small shops in town.

Outside of town is the Bend Distillery. It produces small batch vodka and gin. There is a tasting room (flight of vodka/gin is free) just off Hwy 20 south of town towards Bend. Other cocktails using their products are $3. They also have tours.

The area abounds with places to hike and visit. I enjoy the Newberry Volcanic Monument area south of Bend near Sunriver. You can drive to the top of a butte, wander in the lava tube cave, hike to Benham Falls or hike the lava cast forest.

If you really want an interesting dining experience, try the Cowboy Tree Dinner in Silver Lake (about 2 hours from Sisters). You have to preorder (steak is the best). Out in the middle of nowhere, but well worth the drive.

We spent the day in Sisters while staying at my sister's vacation home in Sunriver. It was a great day. There are lots of shops and so many fabric stores as it is a quilting mecca of sorts. I purchased many unique items including a tapestry that hangs in my family room. Bought it at the Hen's Tooth. I am not the kind of person who shops either, but each shop was interesting unlike the generic shopping you get at the mall.

Thanks Suzie. I had no idea that Sisters had such a quilting community. I bet I could find some neat material that would fit in perfect at my home. I love the name of the shop, The Hen's Tooth. How cute. I have heard about the many shops and my friends have raved about the western shops and said that they are a must see. Thank you for sharing about the bakery. I will definetly add it to my list. Your post was helpful, thank you.

Thanks tomfuller. I checked out Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill and Saloon and I would agree that it is a must see. I think that it would be quite the experience and their food sounds great!It was also helpful to know that the rodeo grounds are close. My goal is to go in June to see the rodeo. Thanks for the helpful insight.

If it doesn't work out for the rodeo, come later for the Quilt show. Many quilts are displayed outdoors if the weather is good.http://sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org/events.htm
Enjoy your trip to the central Oregon Cascades.
Last summer the Pole Creek wildfire polluted the air in Sisters for a couple weeks. Here's hoping that will not happen again.

Anyhow - this page is for Crater Lake - an hour plus south of nearby Bend - which is very beautiful, and one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm

And definitely agree with Tomf about driving the Cascade Lake loop/route - stopping to take a walk/hike/picnic lunch? - and also - get across/east of hiway 97 (down by Sun River) - to see cute Paulina Lake and the Newberry crater and mountain of obsidian - the sharp lava rock the Indians (Native Americans) sought for their arrowheads. http://www.summitpost.org/paulina-peak-newberry-crater/150880